A former soccer player and Woodstown graduate, a local author returned home to talk with kids.
WOODSTOWN -- A Salem County native returned to his stomping grounds to share his work as a published author to young elementary students Friday.
Oscar Hernandez, now of Westville, graduated from Woodstown High School in 2000, but now teaches in Gloucester County while writing children's books.
Hernandez, 34, was a guest of honor at Mary S. Shoemaker School during the annual Meet the Artists and Author Day -- an event held each year to show students the ability to turn creativity into a career.
For more than a decade, Shoemaker students have invited in unique visitors who have turned their love for creative arts into work.
Young students have the opportunity each year to work hands-on with actual artists and listen to a published author speak about the field.
"I was afraid to try new things, sometimes. Trying new things is good for you," Hernandez said to the young pupils.
Hernandez talked about writing and challenging himself to reach his goals.
Art teacher Susan Chapman and Jamie Morgan (Success in Technology, Enrichment, Literacy, Library and Research instruct) coordinate the event.
The former Woodstown resident has six books published, between E-books and hard copies.
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Not only was Hernandez crafty, he also successfully played soccer at Rowan University.
"He not only excelled in the classroom, but on the field as well," Morgan said of the author.
While Hernandez spoke to the third graders, second-grade students were busy across the hall working with artists.
"My favorite thing is when we make things and color things," Bob Waddington, 7, said as he sculpted his clay pot.
This event is an important one for students, according to Chapman, because it provides students a chance to be creative, non-restrictive in a learning environment.
"It goes across the board -- children need more hands on experience and time to think outside of the box," Chapman said.
Brittany Wehner may be reached at bwehner@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @brittanymwehner. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.